Audience Feedback 2

Documentary Extract



Newspaper Ad

TV Listings Review

Production: TV Listings Magazine

Ancillary Product: Ad

I used photoshop to create my first ancillary product, which is a newspaper ad. I started by inserting a photograph that I took, into the adobe software. I chose to use the 'barbie' cut out picture as the children's toy is supposed to represent beauty and an idea of the perfect woman, which ties in with ideas that I explore in my documentary. Therefore I thought that this image would link with the documentary and create brand identity. 

The lighting was a little dark, so I used the 'dodge' tool in photoshop to lighten the background. I took the picture against a white wall so that it would be easier for me to lighten it. I kept the corners slightly darker so that the picture has a gradient / shades.

This was the first title I tried, I had the inspiration from major fashion magazines like Vogue and Elle, as they use this kind of simple, large font which looks rather affective.

Furthermore, like the font on the VOGUE magazine, I used superimposition so that the image covers a part of the title. This means that focus is not taken from the image. 

However, I didn't like the look of the previous title, since I think that it looked too plain and needed some colour. Also, I thought the title would look better if it were a little longer. This is when I decided to change the title of my documentary to 'The Perfect Image' as I think that this gives a little more guidance to what the programme is about, as in my audience feedback somebody mentioned that 'Image' was too vague. 

I also added the 'BBC Three' logo in the corner to add to brand identity, and also to show the institution. I included a tagline on the T-Shirt, but then deleted it since I thought there was too much in the picture. I made the word 'perfect' pink as this is the stereotypical colour of femininity, linking to stereotype ideas in my project. 

I changed the title from centre position to one side of the image as I think it looked more aesthetically pleasing with all the words together, as the bright pink stands out amongst the black font.

At this point I also whitened the background even more, only leaving a slight shade in the corners, as I think it looks more authentic with a white background.

I swapped the positions of the title and the logo and preferred the look with the title on the right of the image. Usually, people read from left to right, therefore most ads would had the title on the left hand side (left-hand side rule). However, I went against ad conventions as I thought the title lined up better with the image on this side. 

I used http://www.myfonts.com/hotnewfonts/ for the fonts that I have used on my ad and inserted them into photoshop and resized them. 

These are the three fonts that I could not decide between at first. Initially I liked the 2nd, the thin one as I thought that it looked elegant and simple. Although, this font wasn't eye-catching when I added it to my ad. Therefore I decided to use a thicker font to make it easier for audiences to read.

I made this word pink also to link with the BBC Three logo = brand identity. I also made the word italic and used a different font, a more feminine/ elegant.

Next I added a date and time, although I didn't think the position looked authentic, therefore in my final product I swapped the positions of the BBC Three logo and the date/time...

This is my final product. My first ancillary product. 

Log: Creating ancillary products

Before creating my ancillary products, I need to think about the following...

1. My ancillary products should link to my documentary extract

I think that it is important to create a 'brand' image between my extract and its ancillary products, so that the audience can link them to each other and note key themes / ideas / convention between the three products.

     2.  What kind of audience I'm targeting 

I must stick to my primary target audience, and make sure that I use the right colours / text etc.

Log: How should my documentary end?

I wondered in which way I should end my documentary, since it is an extract (approx. 5 mins) and therefore as I have chosen to do an extract from the beginning of documentary, it would not also feature credits / a proper ending.
After watching documentaries, I thought that a good way to end my extract would be to have a "coming up after the break" as though the programme is about to go to commercial break. However, I chose to use BBC Three as my broadcasting channel, and the BBC are known for not having advertisement breaks, so it would not be authentic to use this initial idea.
I had lots of footage from my interview with a 'professional' and had to cut it down in order to fit within the time limit of my product. Therefore, I decided to end the extract part-way through the interview, which suggests that it would have continued.
Furthermore, at the beginning of my extract I have an introduction, in which the presenter describes the contents of the entire documentary. Firstly, I thought that this was a convention of documentary, but secondly, it implies that if my product was actually aired on television (and an hour in length) there would be more ideas and topics to present.

I asked my focus group what they thought. (click here to view focus group). Samantha suggested that I include the short title sequence at the end of my extract also, so that the viewers are aware that it is just an extract. Before hand (in my latest upload of my product > click here) I just fade out of the interview and have text stating "end of extract" but from audience feedback, although Kiah suggested that this was too abrupt. I like the idea since I think that it will make the ending more smooth and will include this in my final product.

Editing: Updated Documentary Extract

I  have taken the suggested improvements from my audience feedback into consideration and have made multiple changes to my project. 

Here is a link to my first 'rough cut' - click here

And here is my updated version...



I have analysed some of the changes made below.

Some titles, for example when the person being interviewed comes up? Some more vox-pops and perhaps an alternative view this is a good idea, I will add titles when the person is being interviewed 

 

In my audience feedback, a member of my target audience suggested that I include some titles during the interview so that it was clearer for viewers, who was being interviewed. I decided to use a simple title since research proved to me that this is a common convention in documentaries. (http://bethmossadvancedportfolio.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/editing.html)

I have customised the titles in Final Cut Pro X, to fit with my colour theme and also, brand identity is continued, as the white and pink titles link to the BBC Three logo.

wider variety in vox pops, maybe some adults or boys I would like to include alternative opinions but need to keep an eye on the duration/length of my project as it shouldn't exceed 5 mins 

I did not have enough time left in my project to include male opinions because it would have exceeded 5 minutes, and I thought that if I included a 'boys' opinion, then I would have had to have a larger section about male representations in the media. However, I have only made an extract, and in one my ancillary products (magazine listings review) I will mention the content of what would be in the 'rest' of the programme, as it would be about 45 minutes long.

However, I have included an 'alternative' opinion, where she disagrees with the media presentations and says that models are 'too skinny' and that most images are photoshopped. I also mention in the beginning 'narrative' section that during the programme "I'll explore the art of photoshop" which suggests that in the rest of the documentary, the amount of media that is photoshopped / fake would be further explored. 

Editing: BBC Three Logo

From my research into documentaries, I found that they usually have the channel logo in the corner (usually because the broadcaster e.g. BBC / ITV have produced the documentary - shows the institution). 

For example, this is a screenshot from BBC Three documentary 'Superslim Me' which has the BBC Three logo in the top corner throughout the programme. 

I watched this tutorial on YouTube as I wasn't sure how to overlay a picture onto video, and how to resize it etc.

I managed to add the logo to my project timeline and have retimed it to run throughout the whole extract. I had to resize the logo and decided to move it into the top left-hand corner. 

Here is a screen shot of before I added the logo and after. I like the logo included as I think that my project looks more authentic. 

Editing: Titles

After analysing my audience feedback I have decided to include a title during the interview sections of my project, so that the audience are aware of the name and profession of the interviewee.

Furthermore, from research and watching other documentaries, I found that these titles are a general convention and therefore thought it best to include some to make my product more authentic.

The first title uses more of an eye-catching / striking / creative title, but this is during a BBC news snippet. Therefore, it is not a code of documentary. The other title are in fact from documentaries (I used screen-shots from watching the documentaries on YouTube) and they all have similar fonts, white = simple / plain 

The first interview section of interview in my project is with Olivia. First I found this section in Final Cut and clicked on the timeline where a bouts I wanted to insert a title.

I tried several different titles which are atomically provided in Final Cut Pro X to provide myself with a few choices and to see which would look most professional and fit with the visuals / shots.

This is the original full screen of the part I would insert the title. The interviewee is placed central in the frame with her position facing to the left corner (at an angle). I like this shot because it shows her 'talking' to the interviewer rather than the camera, because direct address is not a convention of documentary interviews, only for the presenter (if narrating etc.) 

I am not too fond of this title, since I think that it is too bulky and large. I like the colour as I think that it stands out, although the colour does not fit with the brand image of my documentary (mostly feminine colours, stereotypically pink - which is present in the shot itself - the wallpaper / items on the shelf). 

I prefer the title text to be on the left of the interviewee rather than how it is above, on the right. I think that it suits the angle and frame of the shot more. I'm not too sure about this title. I think that it is reasonably clear to read, but I would change the blue to pink if I was to use this title. 

This is one of my favourite titles since the block shape and colour are very eye-catching and highlight the text/title. Again, if I were to use this title, I would try to change the blue colour to pink to blend with the colours in the shot. Also, I think the shape may be too big and would reduce the size. 

This is again, a simple title. Whilst fitting with conventions, I don't particularly like the look of this title since it appears in the middle which doesn't suit the position of Olivia in the frame. 

This is the first title that I tried. It is rather simple, which is generally how the titles are in documentaries, but I think that without a fill/background the text is not at all eye-catching and some viewers may find it hard to read. Although I preferred some titles above, I think that I am most likely to use a title like this since my research above in the most shows that most documentaries use a plain and simple text. Therefore I will probably do the same so that my documentary fits with conventions. 

Planning: Ancillary Products

Things to think about:

• I need to have an identifiable brand throughout my documentary and its ancillary products. I have  researched brand image on channel 4's programme '24 Hours in Police Custody' previously on my blog (click here) 
• Having a brand image will make my project more authentic and recognisable to my target audience 
• I will also incorporate the broadcaster channel logo into my product 
• Currently I have decided on using BBC Three since documentaries similar to my own, such as 'Superslim Me' presented by Dawn O'Porter. Although, I have taken into account that the channel will eventually be taken off of live television and will become an exclusively online channel accessible through iPlayer. However, this reflects my target audience, as the age group are the most popular age group also, to watch programmes on demand rather than live on television, because of the extreme popularity of digital media in our modern society. 

These images are influence for my own ancillary products - themes = identity / 'perfection' / negative representations - 

The iconic 'barbie doll' has been thought by many to represent the 'PERFECT' female (figure/blonde/thin/tiny waist) even though it is unrealistic and virtually impossible to look like a barbie doll... although people have tried!

These are two people who have devoted their lives to becoming known as the 'real life' Barbie and Ken. This shows the extremeness that some people will go to to look like, what they believe (or are encouraged to believe) is perfect. 

I also like this image which I saw in a magazine (an advertisement for Mac makeup). I like the extreme chiaroscuro lighting and shadows as much of the models face is hidden. If I used a similar image in my ancillary products it would represent a lack of identity etc. 

Audience Feedback: Summary of Responses

What is the genre of my documentary?

Art & Culture	2	18%
Docudrama	0	0%
Lifestyle	9	82%
Nature	0	0%
Mockumentary	0	0%

What kind of audience do you think the documentary would attract?

I think the target audience is females because appearance is very important to them and how they portray their image. Females between the ages of 16 and 35 as that is the main age when people care about their looks and begin to have low self esteem if they are not perfect.

teenage girls and parents

girls between or around 16-25 (younger female adults and teenagers)

I think young adults, particularly girls, would be attracted to the documentary as the issue discussed is a zeitgeist issue in modern society. The increased influence of the media can be seen to put 'pressure' on individuals to conform to what is viewed as the 'norm'.

young teenage girls aswell as parents

teenagers and maybe parents and friends of the primary audience

Teenage girls

Young girls

young women mothers of younger women

I think it would particularly appeal to a teen audience, possibly aged 14+ to an slightly older audience of maybe 30-40. I think it shows a professional and informative insight into this issue.

teenage girls and maybe older woman like parents etc

Which codes & conventions of documentaries can you identify in my product?

Typical interviews and varied shots

interviews cutaways editing voiceover narration from expert

I can identify voice overs which are used in many documentaries. Also when the camera keeps changing from person to person in giving their opinion on what is a perfect women.

- The interview section, with both the model and health consultant, give the documentary a sense of professionalism and conforms to this convention which is typical in many documentaries. - the voiceover also makes the documentary seem professional - the footage creates a sense of realism that the audience can relate to

various interview sections make it seem like a realistic documentary

vox pops, interview with an expert and someone who the issue has affected, upbeat pop music

The cutaways are very professional, and i think very conventional. The fast paced editing and sophisticated narration fits very well with this type of documentary, whch needs to be interesting as well as informative.

the interview shots, different camera angles, cover footage

Different peoples points of views Different camera angles

voice over / non-diegetic music / interviews etc / good range of camera angles

music, voice overs etc

Do you think the title 'Image' links to the content & genre of my product?

Yes because that is the main focus of the video. It is a noun which represents what you are talking about throughout and image fits in with the genre.

yes, because you mention body image and stereotypes

yes, but it isn't clear what the title is when watching, no title sequence

Yes, the career path of a model is largely based on visual 'Image' and within the genre of 'Lifestyle' a person's body image and perception of it is increasingly becoming more important.

yes

it is deliberately vague, could be unclear what the subject matter is

Definitely, I think it's a great title because it is short and focused completely on the subject of the documentary.

Yes

yes, it is a very topical issue and the image fits with what is actually happening in the media

not really, I didn't notice the title 'Image' appearing anywhere.

Should the background music play throughout the entire documentary, or do you think some areas of just dialogue would be more suitable?

i think maybe in the interview with the professional the music should stop as this is more formal, but throughout the rest of the documentary i think the music should run quietly throughout.

Areas of dialogue suitable

When you ask the questions to lori, ayda, fran, rebecca etc i don't think the music should be playing because it is more effective as a response to a question.

Play throughout

perhaps a little bit without non-diegetic sound so that the viewers focus more on what 

you're saying

maybe some areas of just dialogue so that the audience focus more on the person being interviewed (you have done this at the end, but maybe with olivia?)

I think the amount of music you had was perfect

i really like the audio, and think i should definitely play throughout the clip. It shows continuity, linking all the shots, but also appeals to the audience. More mature audience members that know the soundtrack will also associate the content of the lilly allen song with the issues raised with image.

I think the background music should play throughout, however in areas where the dialogue is particularly important the volume of the music could be decreased.

as long as the audio is kept much louder then keep the music

the background music is good how it is at the moment - with variations

How informative is my documentary?

1	0	0%
2	0	0%
3	1	9%
4	7	64%
5	3	27%

In your opinion, what could I improve about my documentary?

Some titles, for example when the person being interviewed comes up? Some more vox-pops and perhaps an alternative view this is a good idea, I will add titles when the person is being interviewed 

Nothing

Nothing it is really good and looks really professional!!!! well done super

If you flash the facts and figures up it would reinforce the information that is very interesting but can be missed a bit if you have just said it. It anchors your meaning. I am planning on including graphics made in After Effects when I have finished the project 

At the moment, just the quality of the sound of the narration, though the content of it sounds very professional and informative. I like the fast paced editing, however there seems to be a large bunch of cutaways all at the same time, it may be worth spreading them through the clip a little more, but keep up the fast pace. I also think that it would be suitable to re-record the voice overs as I notice the change in volume also... I will also try to cut down the length a little, perhaps by about 20 seconds 

maybe tighten up the cuts, and adding graphics to anchor the narration perhaps

wider variety in vox pops, maybe some adults or boys I would like to include alternative opinions but need to keep an eye on the duration/length of my project as it shouldn't exceed 5 mins 

I think the documentary needs to feature opinions from both genders, rather than just girls. Stereotypically the concept of self-image is linked to females, however the development of a new 'man' that is more feminine in paying attention to how they look is increasing and they should be recognised. Similarly, not only females feel the to conform to what is viewed as 'perfect'. I will film a few vox-pops of boys so that the opinions vary more

Possibly the fading out at the very end, other than that nothing I'm not really sure how to end the film yet, since it is just the beginning and is an 'extract' and therefore would continue... therefore I may keep the fade to have a 'to be continued' effect

There are some quite long sections, perhaps mix the model montage section with interview / vox-pops

the voice over sound/volume varies quite a bit, so you could try playing with the volumes or maybe record the voice overs again

Research & Planning: After Effects

I would like to use After Effects, which is an adobe software, so that I have some graphics in  my documentary (the statistics about models).

I watched some basic tutorials on youtube which I have embedded in a previous blog (click here) 

Now, I have decided that I would like the the font graphics to be in a 3D effect and perhaps with a shadow behind.

3D FONT IN AFTER EFFECTS: 

CREATING SHADOWS IN AFTER EFFECTS: 

Editing: Final 'Rough' Edit

This is my first draft / final rough cut of my documentary. 

In class, my peers and I assessed each other's projects and gave feedback (I have made an audience feedback form for them to fill out - click here) but, we also watched each other's projects as a class and received feedback (I made notes in my notebook and have copied them up below...)

• re-shoot "research" shot - lighting too dark 
• re-record narration / voice overs - make sure all the same volume / tone of voice
• change first question to "What is a 'perfect' woman?" - keep it simple 
• crop a few of the vox-pop shots (crop out cabinet etc) 
• interview section - interview some boys (outside shots) \
• show an alternative opinion 
• mix cut away footage / archive footage of 'models' with the interview sections
• graphics (after effects) - statistics 
• re-shoot myself asking the questions (alternative shots)
• change 'health consultant' to psychologist / expert

Planning: Audience feedback on 'rough' edit

Editing: Half way / Rough Edit

This is about 2/3 of my documentary, although is just a 'rough' edit, since I will probably play around and move some sections around, add things etc.
From watching the video, I know that I need a title sequence, or at least just a title, so that people know what it is that they're watching.
Also, I think that I should add a few transitions and see if it helps the film to 'flow' better, as some of the cuts are a little 'sharp'.

Planning / Editing: Interviewing

To interview people for my documentary I used a tripod so that the shots were steady and more professional looking. I also tried to make sure the lighting was natural so that the quality of the footage was better. 

Below, is a screenshot from the editing process of my documentary. I have started putting footage together, and this section shows my interviewing of multiple teenage girls about the image of females in the media. The shot type is a medium close-up which is a convention for documentaries (interview sections usually MCU or close-up). I decided to interview against a white wall so that there are no other distractions in the shot and the audience should therefore be more likely to listen to what they are saying. 

To interview Linda, I used a range of shots. Above is a screen-shot of the editing process in Final Cut Pro X, where you can see various shots / sound. I decided to interview her in a living room. Originally I wanted to interview her in an office as she is a 'psychiatrist' (expert opinion = convention of documentary) although wasn't able to find an appropriate location. Therefore, instead , I show myself (presenter / interviewer) going to her house to ask the questions. The background is mainly white / light colours to create a mature atmosphere, linking to the person I was interviewing and the questions I was asking. 

I can compare the setting for the above interview (with Linda) with this section with Olivia. I decided to use her bedroom as the interviewing location because she is a teenage girl and model and therefore I wanted to present her as young/feminine/girly . I used semiotics and colours to do this. The dominant colour scheme is pink/purple, mainly the wallpaper which is a of NYC (the city where people believe that anybody can 'make it' - links to her modelling career). Furthermore the items on the shelf are mainly pink which symbolises again, femininity. Pink also represents the female stereotype. It is known as a feminine colour, as I explained just previously, although this is because of girly/ teenage / feminine dominant representations/ideologies. This overall, links to the themes and ideas of my documentary.